

Born on June 2, 1946, in Lansing, Michigan, Carol was the beloved daughter of Evelyn and Edward Johns. She grew up in Haslett, Michigan, and graduated from Haslett High School in 1964. She later attended Lansing Community College, where she earned an Associate Degree in Medical Assisting, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA and honors. Her dedication and strong work ethic carried throughout her life and career.
Carol worked for Auto-Owners Insurance Company for many years as an insurance underwriter before retiring in 2008. She was a devoted member of Woodview Church of the Nazarene, where she faithfully served her church family, including time as a member of the church board.
Throughout her life, Carol called many places home. She spent her childhood in Haslett, enjoyed many years living in Marquette, Michigan, and later resided in Lansing, Michigan, and Lakeland, Florida. Following her retirement, she returned to Lansing, where she remained close to family and friends.
Carol had a gift for making friends wherever she went and cared deeply for her family, church, and community. She generously shared her talents by crocheting and knitting baby hats for hospitals and those in need. She loved reading to children at the DeWitt library, crafting beautiful handmade greeting cards and picture arrangements, and joining friends on mystery bus trips throughout Michigan. Her kindness, creativity, and warm spirit touched countless lives.
Carol is survived by her children, Kristine (Paul) Holden of Dansville, MI; Pete (Jessica) Bucholtz of St. Johns, MI; Shawn Bucholtz (Anne Marie Hirschberger) of Arlington, VA; and Jeanette Bucholtz of Mount Pleasant, MI. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Alicia Carr of Jupiter, FL; Jody Bucholtz and Abbi Bucholtz of St. Johns, MI; Jason Bucholtz of Grand Ledge, MI; Maya Bucholtz of Arlington, VA; Savannah Gonzalez, Taylor Gonzalez, Nicole Gonzalez, Alyssa Gonzalez, Michelle Parcher, Breonna Klein, and Alexzandreya Klein; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Carol is further survived by her cousins, Barbara Lehman and Nancy Creed of Haslett, MI; and Barbara Hull; her nephew, Ryan Leary; nieces, Katie Lovellette and Beth Leary; her cherished friends, Bettye Perry, Jan Hundley, Sharon Shutes, Bev Johnson, and Carol Ceaglske; her beloved cat, Sheldon; and many dear friends in both Michigan and Florida.
Carol was preceded in death by her son, Michael Gonzalez, in 2003; her sister, Susan Marie Leary, in 2020; her aunt, Loraine Banks, in 2026; and her parents, Evelyn and Edward Johns.
A memorial service celebrating Carol's life will be held at Woodview Church of the Nazarene. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by the service at 12:00 PM. A luncheon will be held immediately afterward for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Carol may be made to Woodview Church of the Nazarene, 1500 E State Rd., Lansing, MI 48906, https://woodviewnaz.org/online-giving
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff of The Woodlands of DeWitt for the care, compassion, and kindness they provided to Carol over the last several years.
Carol's life can be summed up in three simple words: Live, Love, Laugh. She embraced each day with joy, shared her love freely, and left behind a legacy of warmth and happiness. Her laughter, kindness, and love will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew her.
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Woodview Church of Nazarene1500 E State Rd., Lansing, Michigan 48906
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